Cork Chamber sets out its vision for city and county over the next four years

Cork Chamber has pledged to ensure the vibrancy of Cork as it launched its Strategic Plan for 2025-2028.

Cork Chamber represents 1,200 businesses, employing 130,000 people across the city and county, and the strategic plan had significant input from members, the board, external stakeholders, and the Cork Chamber team.

The key strategic actions outlined in the plan include items related to advocacy and representation, membership engagement, global engagement, and sustainability commitment.

The plan describes Cork Chamber as Ireland’s most active regional advocacy group, promising to continue this, and to “proactively and collaboratively engage with all key stakeholders across central and local government, regional bodies, State agencies, and decision-makers.”

Priorities

Priorities for its members include housing; infrastructure and connectivity; supporting SMEs, local businesses and startups; sustainability and climate; reform and speed of delivery. The strategic plan states that the chamber will continue engaging with membership to help dictate their advocacy.

“Our vision is to lead a transforming and ambitious Cork city and county, and this plan sets the course for the next four years, ensuring that we seize the opportunities to enhance our city and county’s economic and social fabric,” Cork Chamber president Rob Horgan said.

“By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration, we aim to create an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute to the overall quality of life in our region.”

Chamber chief executive officer Conor Healy added: “We have developed a strategic plan that truly reflects the diverse nature and ambitious spirit of our business community.”

As well as engagement with members and advocating for solutions to the issues they share, Cork Chamber has also pledged to strengthen international relationships in order to support business growth, innovation, and the attraction of investment and talent to the region, and to continue their work on integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into business practices.